LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2012) — The University of Kentucky will honor those who have served in the military with a Veterans Day Observance outside the Main Building starting at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12.

All UK veterans, including faculty, staff and students, will be provided lunch and a lapel pin. Speakers will include Tony Dotson, director of UK's Veterans Resource Center, and Matt McKenzie, president of the UK Military Veterans of America student organization. There will also be prize drawings for UK veterans.

The observance is open to the entire campus community, to celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions of UK's veterans.

"On Veterans Day, we want to honor the veterans who are living, working and learning with us here on campus every day," Dotson said. "We pay tribute to the fallen each year on Memorial Day. But Veterans Day is our opportunity to show our gratitude to the living."

UK has been recognized as one of the top 10 "Best for Vets" colleges by Military Times' Edge magazine. UK was ranked No. 7 nationwide in a survey that places emphasis on academic accreditation, central veterans' offices and staff knowledgeable on veterans' issues. The university also has been named a "Military Friendly Campus" by G.I. Jobs magazine four years in a row.

"This recognition is important, because we want veterans to know that the University of Kentucky values their service and welcomes them to our campus," Dotson said.

There will also be a community-based Veterans Day observance sponsored by the Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition from 2-3:15 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 9, in the Lassiter Auditorium at Henry Clay High School, at 2100 Fontaine Road in Lexington. Mayor Jim Gray will make a special announcement to veterans. More information is available at www.bmaconline.org/index.cfm/vaw.html.